The Cigar Life

 Wednesday, June 17, 2026 Dianne sent me the above text earlier today. John wanted her to mention a cigar store recommendation he had for me for when we're visiting in Arizona. Dale said it's not too far from where we often clomp around.  Looking forward to checking it out and getting some cigars to smoke by the pool.

 Sunday, April 13, 2025 Drove over to Saint Paul to Stogies on Grand to get together with Steve for a cigar. He's kept a really low profile over the past 4 years or so. I've seen him a few times over the last year although he hasn't had a cigar in that time and I haven't had a cigar with him in the last 5. I think the last time was February of 2020 at Anthony's Cigar Lounge in Minneapolis, just before the pandemic. Anyway, it was good to see him and light up. I forgot my wallet so I had him buy me a stogie. He asked me what kind I wanted and I told him to get me whatever he was having which turned out to be a La Gloria Cubana.

Saturday,  October19, 2024 Got some raking done today and filled up a few leaf bags. Felt proud of myself for doing so.                           Rewarded myself with a cigar.  Had a Hoyo de Monterrey Excalibur #1 which is one of my favorites and has been for the last 30 years. I remember buying these back in the day at the old Golden Leaf which was then in Calhoun Square (it's now called Anthony's and is over on Lake Street between Bryant and Colfax). I was living in a garden level apartment in Uptown at the time. I didn't like to smoke inside so I'd usually light up in my Toyota Corolla and drive around. I loved how the car smelled the next day.  

Sunday, May 5, 2024 Absolutely gorgeous day. Seventy-one degrees. Lit up a Macanudo which was beautifully mild. My On the Rocks pre-made Old Fashioned was a perfect compliment.                         A Macanudo was the first premium cigar I ever bought.  I was 18 years old and I believe I made the purchase at a cigar store in Southdale.  Dale sat outside with me for a bit and we got a kick out of the neighbor kids playing on their jungle gym. Listened to Oscar Peterson. 

Saturday, March 30, 2024 Lunch with Noel at Frost's. Stopped by Stogies On Grand in St. Paul afterward to pick up some cigars for the week.  I'm all set. And then some.

  Saturday, March 16, 2024 Lunch with Noel. Stopped by Stogies on Grand after lunch and pick up a few Olivas and another tin of Macanudos.                        Upon retuning home I headed for the garage... ...lit up...                        ...and stayed in there as it was quite windy today.   Sunny but chilly and, as you can see from the tipped over chair, very windy.  Brought the Bose speaker out for some garage jazz.  Listened to Art Blakey. 

Tuesday, February 7, 2023 Weather's a little warmer today than it's been so it's best to take advantage. By warmer I mean above freezing.  Had a splash of rum before heading to the garage. I love that the sun's staying up later and later. Above photo taken at 5:10 p.m. It's supposed to be even warmer tomorrow. Can't wait. By the way, I'm really enjoying these Ashton's. They were recommended to me by one of the staff at Stogies on Grand in St. Paul. I'm glad he did because I probably wouldn't have tried them otherwise.